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Marlins aiming to reel in marquee closer
- Updated: December 5, 2016
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — If the Marlins can’t put together a dominant rotation, they’re planning on putting together a lockdown bullpen. A major step could be landing a marquee closer.
The Marlins enter the Winter Meetings open to signing one of the top three free-agent closers — Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman or Mark Melancon. Chapman, who has been on Miami’s radar for years, may be the top priority.
MLB Network’s Jon Heyman first reported strong interest in the trio, and MLB.com has confirmed it. The Marlins are willing to spend what it takes to reel in one of the top overall free agents on the market.
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The Marlins, who expect to be active at the Winter Meetings, would prefer to address their pitching needs through free agency rather than trades. They also understand the cost to acquire a closer like Chapman could be a deal in the range of four years and $80 million.
Jonathan Papelbon set the record for the highest salary for a closer in 2012 when he signed with the Phillies for four …
